Every year around this time, someone gets the bright idea to buy a loved one a shiny new gadget. Sounds thoughtful, right?
Except half of those gifts end with the recipient saying, “Thank you… what do I do with it?” while silently wondering if you hate them.
Tech gifts can be wonderful if you choose wisely. But picking the right one requires a little detective work—and maybe a moment of honesty about whether Grandpa is really going to juggle three remotes and a Wi-Fi password.
This guide will save you money, frustration, and at least one argument with your mother-in-law.
RULE #1 — NOT EVERYONE WANTS AN INTERNET IN THEIR LAMP
A lot of people love smart speakers and smart home gadgets:
• Alexa
• Google Home
• Amazon Echo Show
• Smart plugs
• Smart bulbs
• Doorbell cameras
• Robot vacuums that map your house like they work for the CIA
But before you wrap one up, ask yourself a few questions:
1. Can this person use the app that controls it?
Every smart device needs an app.
Not “maybe.” Not “sometimes.”
Always.
If your recipient struggles to download apps, remember passwords, or already calls you whenever their phone “looks different today”… a smart device might bring more stress than joy.
2. Are they already in that ecosystem?
This is a fancy way of asking:
Do they use the right kind of phone and services for this gadget?
- Amazon Alexa devices work best if you already use Amazon services.
- Google Home devices love Android phones.
- Apple HomePods are happiest when surrounded by other Apple products.
Cross-pollination can work, but it’s like adopting a cat that only tolerates your furniture. Technically compatible… emotionally complicated.
3. Do they have decent Wi-Fi?
Smart gadgets are dumb without internet.
If their Wi-Fi goes out every time their microwave runs, or their router is the same one they got when Obama was president, a smart speaker may never connect—or worse, yell “Sorry, I’m having trouble” every seven minutes.
RULE #2 — GAMING SYSTEMS ARE NOT ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL
Buying a gaming console for someone is like buying them shoes: you absolutely need the right size, brand, and style.
PlayStation? Xbox? Nintendo? PC?
Each one attracts a different type of gamer.
Nintendo Switch → Great for kids, casual players, and anyone who likes fun over realism.
PlayStation → Known for big cinematic games.
Xbox → Excellent online play and Game Pass subscription.
PC gaming → For people who speak fluent graphics card.
A few vital questions to consider:
- Do they already own games for a certain system?
- Are their friends on a particular platform?
- Do they need online membership to play? (Almost always yes.)
- Do you have any idea what a gaming headset is, or are you about to buy the wrong one?
If you’re not sure, casually ask:
“Hey, if Santa were to bring a magical game box, which one would you hope he accidentally dropped down your chimney?”
RULE #3 — TABLETS ARE GREAT… WHEN THEY MATCH THE PERSON USING THEM
A tablet can be the perfect gift—portable, simple, friendly. Until someone realizes the one you bought doesn’t match anything else they own.
iPads
Best for Apple people. Easy for beginners. Tons of apps.
Android tablets (Samsung, Lenovo, etc.)
Good budget options. Great for web browsing and streaming.
Amazon Fire tablets
Super affordable, great for reading and casual use…
but limited app options and VERY Amazon-centric.
Things to check before you buy:
- What phone do they already use?
- Will they need a case or stylus?
- Are they expecting a tablet that can replace a laptop?
(This requires more horsepower than the $69 Black Friday special.)
RULE #4 — DOES THIS GIFT COME WITH “SETUP TAX”?
Setup tax = the unpaid labor of getting someone’s tech working.
Some gifts require very little setup (a bluetooth speaker).
Others require you to become the household IT department until Easter.
High Setup Tax Gifts:
- Smart home devices
- Security cameras
- Gaming systems
- Phones
- Tablets
- Any device that says “Download the companion app”
- Anything that requires a login, subscription, or verification code
- Anything being gifted to someone who says, “I don’t like messing with settings”
Low Setup Tax Gifts:
- Headphones
- Charging cables
- Battery packs
- Simple Bluetooth speakers
- Streaming sticks (kind of… depends if they remember their Netflix password)
If you’re giving a tech gift, consider also giving a “Free Setup Voucher” handmade card offering one hour of tech help.
People love that.
RULE #5 — DON’T FORGET THE INVISIBLE REQUIREMENTS
Many tech gifts need little extras the box doesn’t mention loudly enough:
- Wi-Fi that reaches the whole house
- A phone or tablet to control it
- A subscription (PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, iCloud, etc.)
- Enough storage space
- A compatible charger
- A place to plug the thing in
Write down what the gift needs to work and make sure your recipient has the basics covered.
RULE #6 — OTHER TECH GIFT CATEGORIES WORTH THINKING ABOUT
You asked for other ideas—here are a few categories readers love learning about and that make great gift topics in your series:
1. Wearables
- Smartwatches (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch)
- Fitness trackers (Fitbit, Garmin)
Things to consider:
Phone compatibility, battery life, and whether your recipient actually wants their wrist buzzing all day.
2. Streaming Devices
- Roku
- Amazon Fire Stick
- Google Chromecast
- Apple TV
Things to consider:
Their TV’s age, their remote style preference, what streaming apps they use.
3. Headphones / Earbuds
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Wireless earbuds
- Over-ear vs. in-ear comfort
Things to consider:
Bluetooth ability, comfort, hearing aids, and whether they lose small objects.
4. E-Readers
- Amazon Kindle
- Kobo
Things to consider:
Do they prefer real books? Do they already use Kindle? Do they know how to connect to Wi-Fi?
5. Practical Everyday Tech
- Portable chargers
- Bluetooth trackers (AirTags, Tile)
- Keyboards
- Computer mice
- Desk lamps with charging ports
Things to consider:
Will this actually make their life easier, or are you giving them clutter that lights up?
RULE #7 — SOMETIMES THE BEST TECH GIFT ISN’T TECH AT ALL
If the person has a long history of cursing at their devices, maybe give them something less… wired.
A book.
A blanket.
A nice candle that does not require an app.
Not every problem can be solved by sending someone a device that connects to the internet and occasionally updates itself at 3 a.m.
WRAPPING IT UP (WITHOUT TAPE STUCK TO YOUR ELBOW)
A thoughtful tech gift can absolutely make someone’s life easier, more fun, or more connected. But the goal is to match the person with the tech, not force them into a relationship with a gadget they’re going to unplug after three days.